If you generally avoid conflict — but something about the phrase “conflict avoidant” doesn’t quite fit — that’s worth paying attention to. If you’re someone who shuts down during relational friction, can’t bring yourself to say anything, finds your mind going blank, and then needs a few days just to feel like yourself again — … Read more
Summer can be a joyful time. The pool is open, the days are long, and the sunshine makes it easier to spend time outside and soak up the season. But summer can also bring a quiet kind of discomfort. It can shine a light on what feels missing. I often hear a version of this … Read more
When your oldest graduates and prepares to leave for college, every corner of the house seems to hold emotion. You’re packing boxes, attending celebrations, and adjusting your mind to a new kind of family life. But for your other children, this transition carries a quieter weight. You might notice your younger kids acting differently as … Read more
If you’ve been following along in this series, you already understand how Gottman’s Four Horsemen—criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling—show up in adult relationships and how damaging they can be over time. But there’s an important piece many couples overlook: these patterns didn’t appear out of nowhere. In most cases, the way you handle conflict today … Read more
Discovering that your parent has been taken advantage of—especially in a romance scam—can feel like a punch to the gut. You might feel angry, helpless, embarrassed, or even betrayed. And if your parent doesn’t see the scam for what it is, the frustration can compound into a painful emotional storm. Unfortunately, scams targeting older adults … Read more
Summer break has finally arrived. For families with a new high school graduate, this season often feels different than any before it. There’s celebration, nostalgia, and anticipation in equal measure. The months ahead hold college orientations, part-time jobs, dorm shopping, and more “lasts” than anyone expected. It’s a season defined by transition, and for parents, … Read more
Conflict is a natural part of any close relationship. However, how couples navigate these conflicts often determines the health and longevity of their bond. Dr. John Gottman, a leading researcher and therapist in the field of relationships, identified four particularly destructive communication patterns that predict relationship breakdown with startling accuracy. He named these the “Four … Read more
I’ve been sitting with a client recently whose sessions are flying by (at least for me!). But the work? The work is going slowly. We haven’t even started on her goals yet. Five sessions in. Private pay sessions, at that. Gasp. Why Therapy Progress Can Feel Slow at First She’s not ready. And if I … Read more
You aren’t just tired — you’re digitally drained. Behind every synchronized family calendar, shared grocery list, and school app notification hides an invisible mental marathon that never seems to end. For today’s parents, the old checklist on the fridge has been replaced by an infinite scroll of alerts, text threads, and digital “to-dos” whispering for … Read more
Teen years can be tough. Between school, sports, friendships, family expectations, and social media, many teens feel pressure from every direction. For some, that pressure comes from obvious bullying. For others, it shows up more quietly through peer pressure, exclusion, teasing, gossip, or the fear of not fitting in. If you are a parent of … Read more